Aydon Castle

He bought the property from the estate of an impoverished neighbour in the hope of increasing his social stature and influence.

Shortly after the stone construction began, Robert de Raymes added a two-storey hall range.

These Scottish raiders managed to damage the surrounding area, but were unable to capture Aydon Hall itself.

Aydon Castle was pillaged, burnt, and severely damaged by the Scots following the surrender of the garrison.

The owner of Aydon Castle, Robert de Raymes, had been captured at Bannockburn and had been financially ruined by the destruction of his home and the 500-mark ransom he had paid for his release.

Nicholas attempted to rebuild the previous fortunes that the family had enjoyed, but was ultimately forced to sell the estate by the 15th century.

[8] Aydon Hall's use as a farmhouse ended in 1966 when the property was opened to the public as a historic site.

The courtyard of Aydon Castle